Guy Delauney

Large-scale protests in Albania have expanded from opposition to a luxury resort development near the protected Narta Lagoon into broader demands for Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation, driven by concerns over corruption, living standards, and governance. Demonstrators criticize the government’s handling of development projects and allege ties between officials, oligarchs, and organized crime. Rama defends the protests as signs of healthy democracy, though several allies face anti-corruption investigations. Rising dissatisfaction has also led a young MP, Majana Koceku, to leave the ruling Socialist Party. A political standoff persists as protests continue nightly in Tirana.

Mass protests in Albania have escalated from environmental concerns over a proposed luxury resort near Narta Lagoon to widespread demands for Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation, driven by grievances over schools, jobs, living standards and alleged corruption. Demonstrations grew after a video showed private security guards beating a protester, prompting national outrage. Critics accuse the government of being supported by oligarchs and organised crime, while several senior Socialist Party figures face anti‑corruption investigations. Rama defends the protests as signs of a functioning democracy and insists on the need for independent justice. Former ally Majana Koceku has resigned from the ruling party, saying it has lost legitimacy. Both protesters and the prime minister remain defiant, prolonging the standoff.